86b
Away in a Manger
Hymn Information
- First Line
- Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
- Text Source
- North American, 19th c.
- Tune Name
- CRADLE SONG
- Composer
- William J. Kirkpatrick, 1838-1921
- Topic
- Church Year: Christmas
Copyright Information
- Text Copyright
- Public Domain
- Tune Copyright
- Public Domain
- Reprint/Projection Information
- Music: The Music is in the Public Domain; you do not need permission to project or reprint the Music.
Full Text
Scripture References
86b
Away in a Manger
Hymn Story/Background
Stanzas 1 and 2 of this anonymous children's hymn were first published in the Lutheran compilation Little Children's Book for Schools and Families (Philadelphia, 1885). Charles H. Gabriel published the text with an additional third stanza, also anonymously written in his Vineyard Songs (1892).
Though obviously a children's hymn, "Away in a Manger" is a charming favorite of many people, regardless of age. When people object to the "no crying" phrase in stanza 2, seeing it as a denial of Christ's humanity, they've really missed the childlike nature of this hymn. "Away in a Manger" has a lullaby character in stanzas 1 and 2; stanza 3 is an evening bedtime prayer.
CRADLE SONG, was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick, and was first published in Around the World with Christmas (1895). Like AWAY IN A MANGER, CRADLE SONG is a simple tune in ABAB form, but with a slightly more adventurous harmony. Try singing this childlike song in harmony; without accompaniment or with only light organ registration; or with flutes and guitar.
—
Bert Polman
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